The organisation, Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service, consists of volunteers who give up their time to respond to emergencies in their local area while an ambulance is mobilised following a 999 call out.

The limited road networks in many parts of Lincolnshire mean that casualties often need to wait longer for an ambulance to arrive, and the extra minutes of support provided by a LIVES volunteer can often be vital to a patient - and this can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

Dot has been raising money for LIVES for six years and she has now presented the organisation with more than £40,000 in 22 separate donations over the years. Two years ago, she was presented with a special gold badge from LIVES for her tireless efforts.

The cash is raised through Dot’s ever-popular bingo nights at the Louth Hospital Club every fortnight.

Dot said: “I would like to say a special thank you to Ros Shufflebotham and all those who help and attend the bingo.

“LIVES do a really good job and they need the money - you never know when you are going to need them.”

A spokeswoman from LIVES said the organisation was “thrilled” to receive the cheque thanks to Dot’s hard work.

She added: “The donation from Dot’s fundraising efforts will help greatly to ensure our responders have the right training, kit and equipment to continue to provide that vital care in the community.”

• For more information about LIVES or to become a first responder, visit www.lives.org.uk or call 01507 525999.